Etourism
E-tourism
Introduction
Tourism and information technologies (ICTs) are two of the most dynamic motivators of the emerging global economy. Without a doubt, technology has progressed such that work patterns has been revolutionised in turn and the tourism industry can now go hand in hand together (Buhalis, 2003).
The travel and tourism has always been among the first to take advantage of the new technology. It is an information-rich one with its products and services being intangible, consumable, consumer oriented and expressively tempting. As the services are intangible, consumers are highly dependent on the type of information available prior to buying the product. They want the latest, high-speed and interactive information for 24 hours a day (Zhou, 2003). Regardless of the purpose of the website, they all must be designed with an eye to enhancing the user experience (Mohr et al, 2004). Therefore, it is of prime importance for the website to attract its target consumers. To have a better understanding of a website, the evaluator will start by defining the aspects of a good website and the four components which make a good website.
Title
A critical evaluation of existing e-tourism website including the development for a new “fun and information” service for the chosen website
The chosen website: www.travelbelize.org
Evaluation of a website is based on four components as follows: 1. Design 2. Content 3. Interactivity 4. Usability
Design
Any website should be able to offer an outstanding user experience through a well-designed online customer interface which includes the content, context, community, customisation, communication and commerce. The website’s design is from time to time described as the “look and feel”, where some are more visual with the purpose to craft a mood or image through many graphics, sound and video. However others are functional including large texts. It should always consist of relevant content that the user
Introduction
Tourism and information technologies (ICTs) are two of the most dynamic motivators of the emerging global economy. Without a doubt, technology has progressed such that work patterns has been revolutionised in turn and the tourism industry can now go hand in hand together (Buhalis, 2003).
The travel and tourism has always been among the first to take advantage of the new technology. It is an information-rich one with its products and services being intangible, consumable, consumer oriented and expressively tempting. As the services are intangible, consumers are highly dependent on the type of information available prior to buying the product. They want the latest, high-speed and interactive information for 24 hours a day (Zhou, 2003). Regardless of the purpose of the website, they all must be designed with an eye to enhancing the user experience (Mohr et al, 2004). Therefore, it is of prime importance for the website to attract its target consumers. To have a better understanding of a website, the evaluator will start by defining the aspects of a good website and the four components which make a good website.
Title
A critical evaluation of existing e-tourism website including the development for a new “fun and information” service for the chosen website
The chosen website: www.travelbelize.org
Evaluation of a website is based on four components as follows: 1. Design 2. Content 3. Interactivity 4. Usability
Design
Any website should be able to offer an outstanding user experience through a well-designed online customer interface which includes the content, context, community, customisation, communication and commerce. The website’s design is from time to time described as the “look and feel”, where some are more visual with the purpose to craft a mood or image through many graphics, sound and video. However others are functional including large texts. It should always consist of relevant content that the user
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